tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-68271428610304516882017-08-11T21:59:25.633+03:00Touring with MadeleineMadeleine Lavinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18340266883415910339noreply@blogger.comBlogger46125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6827142861030451688.post-21250901174346407562017-08-11T21:51:00.004+03:002017-08-11T21:59:25.642+03:00Jerusalem's Hansen Hospital: From Leper Colony to Multi-Media Art School<span style="font-family: inherit;">In the affluent neighbourhood of Talbieh,&nbsp;across the&nbsp;road from the Jerusalem Theatre complex, sits an impressive 19th century building - the former Hansen Hospital. Named after Dr. Gerhard Hansen, the Norwegian physician who discovered the leprosy bacteria in 1873. </span><br /><br />In the early 19th century there were no real medical facilities in the Jerusalem. The first modern hospitals were established by Europeans.&nbsp; <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/leprosy/">Leprosy</a>, an infectious disease,&nbsp;was a stigma. It was also misunderstood. <br /><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;">The <a href="http://hansen.co.il/en/story/#Hanson-house">Hansen House</a> story<strong> </strong>began with a visit from Germany, of the Baron and Baroness von Keffenbrinck Ascheraden,&nbsp;to the old city of Jerusalem in 1865. During their visit, they encountered lepers&nbsp;living in tents&nbsp;and mud&nbsp;huts at the Zion Gate, an encounter that brought them to decide to promote the establishment of a proper asylum for people with leprosy. In cooperation with a committee of the Joint Anglican-German Protestant Community in Jerusalem, the first leper asylum was established in 1867 next to the old Mamilla Pool. When this initial structure could no longer fit all people with leprosy seeking shelter, it was decided in 1882 that a larger home be built.</span><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a class="_hes" href="https://www.google.co.il/imgres?imgurl=http%3A%2F%2Fhansen.co.il%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2014%2F05%2Fbegging22.jpg&amp;imgrefurl=http%3A%2F%2Fhansen.co.il%2Fen%2Fstory%2F&amp;docid=mtV-1r_AVC0O7M&amp;tbnid=H14_Dc83CK_myM%3A&amp;vet=1&amp;w=607&amp;h=443&amp;bih=599&amp;biw=1077&amp;ved=0ahUKEwjFqYfxqszVAhUJVxQKHd2GCz8QxiAIFygC&amp;iact=c&amp;ictx=1"><img alt="Related image" class="irc_rii" src="https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSFVGI4fn2adFoq50DnWEGI2kOtfzZKD2JhXFhs7zjqdV6L-FOy" style="margin-left: -14px;" /></a><a data-cthref="http://www.google.co.il/url?sa=i&amp;rct=j&amp;q=&amp;esrc=s&amp;source=images&amp;cd=&amp;cad=rja&amp;uact=8&amp;ved=0ahUKEwjZi72bqszVAhVE7xQKHZ5hArkQjRwIBw&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fhansen.co.il%2Fen%2Fstory%2F&amp;psig=AFQjCNE7rDKl0jscnPPsGBkYySsh2UB_TA&amp;ust=1502442829651673" data-ved="0ahUKEwjZi72bqszVAhVE7xQKHZ5hArkQjRwIBw" href="http://www.google.co.il/url?sa=i&amp;rct=j&amp;q=&amp;esrc=s&amp;source=images&amp;cd=&amp;cad=rja&amp;uact=8&amp;ved=0ahUKEwjZi72bqszVAhVE7xQKHZ5hArkQjRwIBw&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fhansen.co.il%2Fen%2Fstory%2F&amp;psig=AFQjCNE7rDKl0jscnPPsGBkYySsh2UB_TA&amp;ust=1502442829651673" id="irc_mil" jsaction="mousedown:irc.rl;keydown:irc.rlk;irc.il;" style="border-image: none; border: 0px currentColor;"></a></div><br />Designed by <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Conrad_Schick">Conrad Schick</a>, a German missionary and self-taught architect, the spacious two-storey building named&nbsp;"Jesus Hilfe" (Jesus Helps) was opened in 1887 with 65 patients. Set among fruit trees&nbsp;and a vegetable garden, it provided clean air, hygiene, nutrition,&nbsp;work, and spritual and emotional support for the patients who were mostly Muslim but there were also&nbsp;Christians and a&nbsp;number of&nbsp;Jews. It was the only place of its kind in the Middle East.<br /><br />The hospital operated from 1914-1948 with European staff. By 1948 it became part of the Ministry of Health and continued to function until 2000. <br />﻿<br />﻿<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a data-cthref="http://www.google.co.il/url?sa=i&amp;rct=j&amp;q=&amp;esrc=s&amp;source=images&amp;cd=&amp;cad=rja&amp;uact=8&amp;ved=0ahUKEwjFqYfxqszVAhUJVxQKHd2GCz8QjRwIBw&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fhansen.co.il%2Fen%2Fstory%2F&amp;psig=AFQjCNE7rDKl0jscnPPsGBkYySsh2UB_TA&amp;ust=1502442829651673" data-ved="0ahUKEwjFqYfxqszVAhUJVxQKHd2GCz8QjRwIBw" href="http://www.google.co.il/url?sa=i&amp;rct=j&amp;q=&amp;esrc=s&amp;source=images&amp;cd=&amp;cad=rja&amp;uact=8&amp;ved=0ahUKEwjFqYfxqszVAhUJVxQKHd2GCz8QjRwIBw&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fhansen.co.il%2Fen%2Fstory%2F&amp;psig=AFQjCNE7rDKl0jscnPPsGBkYySsh2UB_TA&amp;ust=1502442829651673" id="irc_mil" jsaction="mousedown:irc.rl;keydown:irc.rlk;irc.il;" style="border-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Related image" src="http://hansen.co.il/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/home112.jpg" height="198" id="irc_mi" style="margin-top: 32px;" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Main Entrance and Gardens</span></td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a data-cthref="/url?sa=i&amp;rct=j&amp;q=&amp;esrc=s&amp;source=images&amp;cd=&amp;cad=rja&amp;uact=8&amp;ved=0ahUKEwi8p7W9q8zVAhUBbRQKHeQpA7sQjRwIBw&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fen.wikipedia.org%2Fwiki%2FHansen_House_(Jerusalem)&amp;psig=AFQjCNE7rDKl0jscnPPsGBkYySsh2UB_TA&amp;ust=1502442829651673" data-ved="0ahUKEwjGraKnsszVAhWBoBQKHZgHALoQjRwIBw" href="http://www.itraveljerusalemblog.com/sites-of-the-city/historical/throwback-thursday-jerusalem-style-hansen-house/" id="irc_mil" jsaction="mousedown:irc.rl;keydown:irc.rlk;irc.il;" style="border-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Image result for hansen house jerusalem" src="http://www.itraveljerusalemblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/IMG_1068.jpg" height="213" id="irc_mi" style="margin-top: 20px;" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Hansen Hospital Museum</span></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: left;">Two rooms are dedicated to the&nbsp;history of the hospital and Hansen's Disease.</div><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The city decided to preserve the building and in 2013 the compound&nbsp;became&nbsp;part of the </span><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bezalel_Academy_of_Arts_and_Design" title="Bezalel Academy of Arts and Design"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Bezalel Academy of Arts and Design</span></a><span style="font-family: inherit;"> masters program. </span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;">The centre includes exhibition spaces, an animation lab, theatre performance space, a projection room, studios for visiting artists, an artists guest house and a restaurant.</span>&nbsp;</span></span><br /><br />I revisited the building last week for the first time since its restoration&nbsp;and enjoyed the delightful Ofa'im Cafe which serves delicious dairy meals in historic surroundings. The small museum is open to the public free of charge.<br /><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; direction: ltr; line-height: 18pt; margin: 0in -22.35pt 12.5pt -0.5in; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: left; unicode-bidi: embed;"><span style="font-family: &quot;arial&quot;; mso-fareast-language: JA;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">n </span></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; direction: ltr; line-height: 18pt; margin: 0in -22.35pt 0pt -0.5in; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: left; unicode-bidi: embed;"><span style="font-family: inherit; mso-fareast-language: JA;"><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></span></div>Madeleine Lavinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18340266883415910339noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6827142861030451688.post-29069211553252445452017-01-30T22:05:00.000+02:002017-02-06T13:50:54.147+02:00Ein Gedi's Ancient Synagogue For most visitors,&nbsp;a tour of Ein Gedi&nbsp;means the short circular nature trail among lush vegetation and fresh water&nbsp;pools of Nahal David or the longer trail of Nahal Arugot.<br /><br />Many&nbsp;people overlook the nearby antiquities which can be visited on the same entrance ticket and are well worth a short stop.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Image result for ein gedi synagogue" class="rg_ic rg_i" data-src="https://encrypted-tbn3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTmGvSO_ooYu8b_Gv2630HI1JbdeWSJ-btUjgY--feig4wza8hR" data-sz="f" jsaction="load:str.tbn" name="fzKjIGfRQ6H5YM:" src="https://encrypted-tbn3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTmGvSO_ooYu8b_Gv2630HI1JbdeWSJ-btUjgY--feig4wza8hR" style="height: 182px; margin-left: -7px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; width: 243px;" />﻿</div>Evidence of the ancient Jewish settlement from the Second Temple Period were discovered by chance in 1965 when a mosaic floor was revealed among the date plantations of the modern kibbutz Ein Gedi.<br />﻿﻿<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nH84hkSET6s/WI-WtAMtXDI/AAAAAAAAAlU/M86GA0zqlOc9A8x2aNuoXC41-tRg1agiACLcB/s1600/IMG_1542%2B%2528Edited%2529%2B-%2BCopy%2B-%2BCopy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nH84hkSET6s/WI-WtAMtXDI/AAAAAAAAAlU/M86GA0zqlOc9A8x2aNuoXC41-tRg1agiACLcB/s320/IMG_1542%2B%2528Edited%2529%2B-%2BCopy%2B-%2BCopy.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ein Gedi Synagogue Central Medallion</td></tr></tbody></table>Further excavations in the 1990s revealed remains of&nbsp;a settlement and synagogue from the late Roman and Byzantine periods - 3rd-6th centuries CE. <br /><br />The synagogue was completely excavated and nearby streets and buildings partially uncovered.&nbsp; Recently, excavations have restarted in the surrounding area.<br /><br />Eusebius, an early 4th century father of the Christian Church, wrote about a very large village of Jews at Ein Gedi. Early manuscripts tell of Ein Gedi's inhabitants who grew date palms and persimmons. The source of the community's wealth was the persimmon bush or afarsimon which yielded a substance from which a valuable perfume could be extracted.<br /><div align="center"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-I4fq08wPun4/WI-ZCekct5I/AAAAAAAAAlk/CyaOktAk-bYZNkGAZ0GTwT89v7rTaC9QgCLcB/s1600/IMG_1545%2B%2528Edited%2529%2B-%2BCopy%2B-%2BCopy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-I4fq08wPun4/WI-ZCekct5I/AAAAAAAAAlk/CyaOktAk-bYZNkGAZ0GTwT89v7rTaC9QgCLcB/s200/IMG_1545%2B%2528Edited%2529%2B-%2BCopy%2B-%2BCopy.JPG" width="150" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">mosaic detail</td></tr></tbody></table></div><div style="text-align: left;">In addition to a bird medallion, a seven-branched menorah graces the synagogue mosaic floor. A Hebrew and Aramaic inscription in the left aisle lists the 13 forefathers of mankind, the 12 signs of the zodiac,&nbsp;thanks the benefactors&nbsp;and curses community members who do not keep the rules of the village.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iBfHvQSL2UQ/WI-b2-muy8I/AAAAAAAAAmQ/aQuO3vyB34kHkdLoaJ4SFEv7NqwkOlRogCLcB/s1600/IMG_1544%2B%2528Edited%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iBfHvQSL2UQ/WI-b2-muy8I/AAAAAAAAAmQ/aQuO3vyB34kHkdLoaJ4SFEv7NqwkOlRogCLcB/s320/IMG_1544%2B%2528Edited%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Seven-branched Menorah detail</td></tr></tbody></table><div align="center">﻿</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">﻿</div>Archeologists believe that the settlement came to the end by the late 6th century.<br /><br />Access the antiquites by following the sign to Nahal Arugot and Ein Gedi Synagogue.<br /><br />There are picnic tables, bathrooms and a quiet place to enjoy the view of the Dead Sea away from the crowds. Open 8-4 in the winter and until 5 p.m. April-OctoberMadeleine Lavinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18340266883415910339noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6827142861030451688.post-14502594632078912172016-10-28T18:32:00.003+03:002017-04-15T10:58:35.126+03:00Restoration Work in Holy Sepulcher CompletedTwo weeks before Easter, the edicule of the Holy Sepulchre has been revealed to the public&nbsp;in all its glory for the first time since 1809. I was touring the church on the day it was reopened. Here are some of the pictures that I took.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1A839YQ6T38/WPHSTE9bVyI/AAAAAAAAAnA/KAouTbGdInw_D0YS1U7lfHdqZYGc1_HTgCLcB/s1600/Holy%2BSepulchre.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1A839YQ6T38/WPHSTE9bVyI/AAAAAAAAAnA/KAouTbGdInw_D0YS1U7lfHdqZYGc1_HTgCLcB/s320/Holy%2BSepulchre.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Restored Edicule<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-N7PLsauA-bU/WPHSoHAMP1I/AAAAAAAAAnI/s1K3itr-p3ANmUF2OAAjqJL3S1sxzpe3QCLcB/s1600/Edicule%2Bzoom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-N7PLsauA-bU/WPHSoHAMP1I/AAAAAAAAAnI/s1K3itr-p3ANmUF2OAAjqJL3S1sxzpe3QCLcB/s320/Edicule%2Bzoom.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ajGcv6LC59Q/WPHSmxzAVCI/AAAAAAAAAnE/J0AJVK7ibfgBvhxQUYnasV0HHRNO99wKACLcB/s1600/Edicule.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ajGcv6LC59Q/WPHSmxzAVCI/AAAAAAAAAnE/J0AJVK7ibfgBvhxQUYnasV0HHRNO99wKACLcB/s320/Edicule.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>&nbsp;</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br />Since May of 2016, the edicule covering the tomb of Jesus underwent major restoration for the first time in over 200 years.&nbsp;Even though the structure is surrounded by scaffolding the church has remained open to visitors. Until this week that is.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VPsBTPK4Z9c/WBNwHRnhedI/AAAAAAAAAkg/Ce9m_z-HnNUtnbdxG3O0EJ7ZbaDjgUsYwCLcB/s1600/Holy%2BSepulchre%2B%25281%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VPsBTPK4Z9c/WBNwHRnhedI/AAAAAAAAAkg/Ce9m_z-HnNUtnbdxG3O0EJ7ZbaDjgUsYwCLcB/s320/Holy%2BSepulchre%2B%25281%2529.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Light over the Edicule</td></tr></tbody></table>In the past few days the church has been closed for 60 hours to enable major archeological investigations&nbsp;of the tomb itself.<br /><br />You can read more in the link below and watch the video about what has been revealed&nbsp;under the stone covering the tomb.<br /><br /><a href="http://news.nationalgeographic.com/2016/10/jesus-tomb-opened-church-holy-sepulchre/">http://news.nationalgeographic.com/2016/10/jesus-tomb-opened-church-holy-sepulchre/</a>Madeleine Lavinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18340266883415910339noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6827142861030451688.post-90870009478881801282016-09-26T18:46:00.002+03:002016-09-27T08:29:09.765+03:00Rosh Hashanah: New Year, New FruitsSummer is coming to an end. <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on">Jerusalem</st1:city></st1:place>nights are cooler and days grow shorter.&nbsp;The end of the summer is&nbsp;also&nbsp;a harbinger of&nbsp;the new fruits which signify the change of season and start of a&nbsp;new year.<br /><br />In another week - October 2nd - Jews around the world will celebrate Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year 5777, with a festive family meal. The pomegranate will make an appearance on the table along with apples and honey and other traditional foods as we bless a sweet and fruitful new year.<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YSH5GMm2HIs/V-lA458J-SI/AAAAAAAAAj8/kypTl_yPHpAxuPIPMCxOINxle5bATRp6gCLcB/s1600/IMG_1223.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YSH5GMm2HIs/V-lA458J-SI/AAAAAAAAAj8/kypTl_yPHpAxuPIPMCxOINxle5bATRp6gCLcB/s320/IMG_1223.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Black Pomegranates last week</td></tr></tbody></table><a href="https://www.blogger.com/" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: black;"> </span></a><br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: &quot;times new roman&quot;; font-size: 12pt;"><!--[if gte vml 1]><v:shapetype id="_x0000_t75" coordsize="21600,21600" o:spt="75" o:preferrelative="t" path="m@4@5l@4@11@9@11@9@5xe" filled="f" stroked="f"> <v:stroke joinstyle="miter"/> <v:formulas> <v:f eqn="if lineDrawn pixelLineWidth 0"/> <v:f eqn="sum @0 1 0"/> <v:f eqn="sum 0 0 @1"/> <v:f eqn="prod @2 1 2"/> <v:f eqn="prod @3 21600 pixelWidth"/> <v:f eqn="prod @3 21600 pixelHeight"/> <v:f eqn="sum @0 0 1"/> <v:f eqn="prod @6 1 2"/> <v:f eqn="prod @7 21600 pixelWidth"/> <v:f eqn="sum @8 21600 0"/> <v:f eqn="prod @7 21600 pixelHeight"/> <v:f eqn="sum @10 21600 0"/> </v:formulas> <v:path o:extrusionok="f" gradientshapeok="t" o:connecttype="rect"/> <o:lock v:ext="edit" aspectratio="t"/></v:shapetype><v:shape id="_x0000_i1025" type="#_x0000_t75" alt="Image result for olive trees israel" style='width:177pt;height:156pt'> <v:imagedata src="file:///C:\Users\MADELE~1\AppData\Local\Temp\msohtml1\07\clip_image001.jpg" o:href="https://encrypted-tbn1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTg-QqWMQc1YwxP9yAg31I_Bbh7_hkpFWNUW-SJnLzFzC5J7z-6fA"/></v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><!--[endif]--></span></a><span style="color: black;">Olive trees are are also weighed down with fruit which will be harvested in another month when the country celebrates its olive festivals. Ripe pomegranates are hanging on the trees and&nbsp;fresh juice is being sold all around the old city</span><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-g1cZsFvaFCI/V-lCASTkm9I/AAAAAAAAAkE/nLNy6gWo-70t4sYz5pwSgUuCAyONMF_wwCLcB/s1600/IMG_1225.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-g1cZsFvaFCI/V-lCASTkm9I/AAAAAAAAAkE/nLNy6gWo-70t4sYz5pwSgUuCAyONMF_wwCLcB/s320/IMG_1225.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Red Pomegranates in Yemin Moshe Last week</td></tr></tbody></table>Although the pomegranate is an ancient symbol steeped in tradition, it has re-emerged in contemporary culture, not only because of its beauty and rich history, but because the pomegranate is desirable for its healthy, antioxidant qualities. The word pomegranate, "rimon" or granade&nbsp;in Hebrew, is derived from the Latin words "pomum" (apple) and "granatus" (seeded). Grown in the Mediterranean region for several thousand years, this remarkable fruit is rich in symbolism and there are specific references to the pomegranate in the Bible. Together with the olive, grape, fig, date, wheat and barley, it is one of the 7 species of the <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placetype w:st="on">Land</st1:placetype> of <st1:placename w:st="on">Israel</st1:placename></st1:place> mentioned in Deuteronomy 8-8.<br /><br /><span style="color: black;"> </span><span style="color: black;">Exodus 28:33-34 states that images of pomegranates be woven into the hem of the robe worn by the High Priest in the <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on">Temple</st1:city></st1:place></span><span style="color: black;">. Pomegranates can also be found in the Bible in I Kings 7:13-22, where the fruit is depicted on the capitals of the two pillars which stood in front of the temple.</span><br />﻿<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a data-ved="0ahUKEwj1roeatq3PAhWDVBQKHVriBt8QjRwIBw" href="https://www.google.co.il/url?sa=i&amp;rct=j&amp;q=&amp;esrc=s&amp;source=images&amp;cd=&amp;cad=rja&amp;uact=8&amp;ved=0ahUKEwj1roeatq3PAhWDVBQKHVriBt8QjRwIBw&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.pinterest.com%2Fpin%2F251849804133136854%2F&amp;psig=AFQjCNEhqGS4MNx0JHcMyXGAmmBB45gOxA&amp;ust=1474992704853414" id="irc_mil" jsaction="mousedown:irc.rl;keydown:irc.rlk;irc.il;" style="border-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Image result for ivory pomegranate" height="311" id="irc_mi" src="https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/564x/ec/4e/a1/ec4ea1d4d1e42cd19a1d3ed8b66cef4d.jpg" style="margin-top: 41px;" width="180" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First Temple (?)Ivory Pomegranate Israel Museum</td></tr></tbody></table><span style="color: black;">In Christianity paintings of the Madonna and Child prominently display the fruit -&nbsp;a symbol of the resurrection and the hope of eternal life.&nbsp;Ancient Egyptians were buried with </span><span style="color: black;">pomegranates</span><span style="color: black;"> in hope of rebirth. </span><br /><span style="color: black;"> </span><br /><span style="color: black;">Pomegranates in Islam&nbsp;are a&nbsp;symbol of harvest, wealth and wellness. The writings of the Quran refer to the fruit in three different instances and each time giving the sense that it's talking about a great harvest, land of plenty and being good stewards of what has been provided.</span><br /><span style="color: black;"> </span><br /><span style="color: black;">Whatever you believe, one thing is certain, olives and pomegranates are important part of the landscape of this land and I, for one, am very happy.</span><br /><span style="color: black;"> </span><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><br /></div><br /><br /><br />Madeleine Lavinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18340266883415910339noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6827142861030451688.post-49087569819260545602016-05-19T18:46:00.001+03:002016-08-08T09:02:01.867+03:00Amazing Underwater Archeological Discovery in CaesareaTwo amateur divers discovered Israel’s biggest haul of underwater Roman-era artefacts in three decades. The priceless objects were shown for the first time last week.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Figurines of the moon goddess Luna and Dionysus, the god of wine." class="gu-image" height="240" itemprop="contentUrl" src="https://i.guim.co.uk/img/media/ef7b28a2e65dcd066b7a222c35a21e19bef26ed7/0_274_4744_2847/master/4744.jpg?w=620&amp;q=55&amp;auto=format&amp;usm=12&amp;fit=max&amp;s=4b14bb36240e1fe6160ef41d26784bba" width="400" /></div><br />The treasures were found in April by Ran Feinstein and Ofer Raanan when they were exploring a sunken ship close to the ancient port of Caesarea. <br />They initially left the first sculpture on the seabed, but then when they discovered a second, they realised it was something special and brought it to the surface. They later searched the area and uncovered more.<br />To their credit, they informed the Israel Antiquities Authority (IAA) who sent their divers to investigate further.<br />Some of the objects date back to the fourth century CE, while others are from the first and second centuries, said Jacob Sharvit, the director of marine archaeology at the IAA.<br />Sharvit said it was likely that the ship’s sailors had thrown down their anchors in a storm but, after their attempts failed, the ship drifted and all its cargo plunged into the Caesarea port waters, where it remained for 1,700 years until its recent discovery.<br /><br />Hopefully the finds&nbsp;will be on public display very soon.&nbsp; A recent treasure trove of 11th century Islamic coins found off the coast of Caesarea are currently displayed&nbsp;in the Israel Museum's archeology department.<br /><figure class="element element-image img--landscape fig--narrow-caption fig--has-shares " data-component="image" data-media-id="ef7b28a2e65dcd066b7a222c35a21e19bef26ed7" itemprop="associatedMedia image" itemscope="" itemtype="http://schema.org/ImageObject"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img class="gallery-lightbox__img js-gallery-lightbox-img" height="240" sizes="(min-width: 1300px) 1920px, (min-width: 1140px) 1225px, (min-width: 980px) 1065px, (min-width: 740px) 965px, (min-width: 660px) 725px, (min-width: 480px) 645px, 465px" src="https://i.guim.co.uk/img/media/50a32a33445871a13cbd7173953fc29cfeefb4be/0_179_5378_3227/master/5378.jpg?w=1065&amp;q=55&amp;auto=format&amp;usm=12&amp;fit=max&amp;s=858e8bce93027eba6b95cd23e82c7182" srcset="https://i.guim.co.uk/img/media/50a32a33445871a13cbd7173953fc29cfeefb4be/0_179_5378_3227/master/5378.jpg?w=1920&amp;q=55&amp;auto=format&amp;usm=12&amp;fit=max&amp;s=11435926ff5ebbf28021177d487abdcb 1920w, https://i.guim.co.uk/img/media/50a32a33445871a13cbd7173953fc29cfeefb4be/0_179_5378_3227/master/5378.jpg?w=1225&amp;q=55&amp;auto=format&amp;usm=12&amp;fit=max&amp;s=31b2473535e76e475cda4f1b229deabe 1225w, https://i.guim.co.uk/img/media/50a32a33445871a13cbd7173953fc29cfeefb4be/0_179_5378_3227/master/5378.jpg?w=1065&amp;q=55&amp;auto=format&amp;usm=12&amp;fit=max&amp;s=858e8bce93027eba6b95cd23e82c7182 1065w, https://i.guim.co.uk/img/media/50a32a33445871a13cbd7173953fc29cfeefb4be/0_179_5378_3227/master/5378.jpg?w=965&amp;q=55&amp;auto=format&amp;usm=12&amp;fit=max&amp;s=d07b43dede7eef18fcdda5daff019246 965w, https://i.guim.co.uk/img/media/50a32a33445871a13cbd7173953fc29cfeefb4be/0_179_5378_3227/master/5378.jpg?w=725&amp;q=55&amp;auto=format&amp;usm=12&amp;fit=max&amp;s=447b9dde5597562d0a9585e500ed111b 725w, https://i.guim.co.uk/img/media/50a32a33445871a13cbd7173953fc29cfeefb4be/0_179_5378_3227/master/5378.jpg?w=645&amp;q=55&amp;auto=format&amp;usm=12&amp;fit=max&amp;s=19c42d1e36cb61a015904a100c247c50 645w, https://i.guim.co.uk/img/media/50a32a33445871a13cbd7173953fc29cfeefb4be/0_179_5378_3227/master/5378.jpg?w=465&amp;q=55&amp;auto=format&amp;usm=12&amp;fit=max&amp;s=55cc430b5e5640a317cf52cbd4e83dec 465w" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On Display - some of the haul</td></tr></tbody></table></figure><figure class="element element-image img--landscape fig--narrow-caption fig--has-shares " data-component="image" data-media-id="ef7b28a2e65dcd066b7a222c35a21e19bef26ed7" itemprop="associatedMedia image" itemscope="" itemtype="http://schema.org/ImageObject"><div class="u-responsive-ratio" style="padding-bottom: 60.01%; text-align: center;"><picture><span style="color: black;"><a href="http://www.antiquities.org.il/Article_eng.aspx?sec_id=25&amp;subj_id=240&amp;id=4197">Read more and watch a short film about the discovery</a>&nbsp;</span></picture></div><div class="u-responsive-ratio" style="padding-bottom: 60.01%; text-align: center;"><picture></picture>&nbsp;</div><div class="u-responsive-ratio" style="padding-bottom: 60.01%; text-align: center;"><picture><span style="color: black;"></span></picture>&nbsp;</div></figure><br />Madeleine Lavinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18340266883415910339noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6827142861030451688.post-31727848077586475052016-03-13T10:40:00.002+02:002016-05-19T18:50:16.016+03:00Mahane Yehuda - not just fruit and vegetables<a href="http://www.machne.co.il/en/">Mahane Yehuda</a>, also referred to as the "shuk"&nbsp;- the market - (not to be confused with the Arab souk&nbsp;in the old city), is one of my favourite places to visit in Jerusalem. Last Thursday night I decided to check out the beer and sample some of the night life of this iconic place.<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sOnkylO1gYo/VuUj6kt5qqI/AAAAAAAAAhA/jA3PMfE542kcC4pk98kZZJT46M4bdQ1Ow/s1600/081.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sOnkylO1gYo/VuUj6kt5qqI/AAAAAAAAAhA/jA3PMfE542kcC4pk98kZZJT46M4bdQ1Ow/s200/081.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Largest Garlic Cloves I've Seen!</td></tr></tbody></table>Mahane Yehuda is not actually the market, rather a small neighbourhood established across the Jaffa Road named for Yehuda Navon the brother of one of the neighbourhood's founders.<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rp3fkFKet8Y/VuUcXzTAa0I/AAAAAAAAAgs/sx-QjSD0Ue8ROhegoS35l46S6d32bFZ1A/s1600/IMG_0901.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rp3fkFKet8Y/VuUcXzTAa0I/AAAAAAAAAgs/sx-QjSD0Ue8ROhegoS35l46S6d32bFZ1A/s200/IMG_0901.JPG" width="150" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Light Rail Stop</td></tr></tbody></table>The market wasn't planned but grew organically from its humble beginnings at the end of the 19th century when local Arab farmers sold their produce to passengers disembarking from the carriage&nbsp;on its final leg from the Jaffa Port to Jaffa Gate.<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eVVIcf_oV7E/VuUkMte4w1I/AAAAAAAAAhE/PpA8jmhPvQckqwAT1f_Ji6RWMOoylGQnQ/s1600/IMG_0889.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eVVIcf_oV7E/VuUkMte4w1I/AAAAAAAAAhE/PpA8jmhPvQckqwAT1f_Ji6RWMOoylGQnQ/s200/IMG_0889.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Freshly&nbsp;Ground Tehina from Halva King</td></tr></tbody></table>As the new city began to develop along the Jaffa Road, the area became more populous. By the 1920's the British decided to organise the random stalls on&nbsp;its current&nbsp;permanent&nbsp;site.<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TiozZYcy4N4/VuUkog5OwII/AAAAAAAAAhM/P515HnH6UjcIc6rCoohRoebf95XtTLJkw/s1600/IMG_0893.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TiozZYcy4N4/VuUkog5OwII/AAAAAAAAAhM/P515HnH6UjcIc6rCoohRoebf95XtTLJkw/s200/IMG_0893.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Olives - my favourite!</td></tr></tbody></table>New&nbsp;Jewish immigrants&nbsp;opened stalls&nbsp;and to this day areas are&nbsp;known by the&nbsp;origin of its founders -&nbsp;the Iraqi Market and&nbsp;Georgian Market to name just two.<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FSFKCqwbZuQ/VuUk7kPdcDI/AAAAAAAAAhU/goG2Q8claVkwBsXPcfav7x8gnn8fLqcYg/s1600/IMG_0899.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FSFKCqwbZuQ/VuUk7kPdcDI/AAAAAAAAAhU/goG2Q8claVkwBsXPcfav7x8gnn8fLqcYg/s200/IMG_0899.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dried Fruit and Nuts</td></tr></tbody></table>Ramshackled structures have undergone renewal and, since the 1980's,&nbsp;the market has been gradually upgraded. Now you can find not only the freshest fruit and vegetables in town but also boutique clothing, wines&nbsp;and cheese&nbsp;and fun places to eat.<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sKL_EWskvHE/VuUlPmZbBTI/AAAAAAAAAhc/2uforf90ClcxdsRk7aUe1UhZQg-sp6fHA/s1600/IMG_0897.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sKL_EWskvHE/VuUlPmZbBTI/AAAAAAAAAhc/2uforf90ClcxdsRk7aUe1UhZQg-sp6fHA/s200/IMG_0897.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Challot for Shabbat</td></tr></tbody></table><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_Iy6EZD34To/VuUlf93-iTI/AAAAAAAAAhk/gK7ZmM2deVMIFjKT5BSOyjCSCCNi2YygA/s1600/IMG_0896.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_Iy6EZD34To/VuUlf93-iTI/AAAAAAAAAhk/gK7ZmM2deVMIFjKT5BSOyjCSCCNi2YygA/s200/IMG_0896.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beer Bazaar - local beers and friendly people</td></tr></tbody></table><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PtpLI6Ptp4E/VuUlfbAZp4I/AAAAAAAAAhg/qxfm6tco1DswNENTUg0p0Nj7qHhMQLQNw/s1600/IMG_0895%2B-%2BCopy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PtpLI6Ptp4E/VuUlfbAZp4I/AAAAAAAAAhg/qxfm6tco1DswNENTUg0p0Nj7qHhMQLQNw/s200/IMG_0895%2B-%2BCopy.JPG" width="150" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Not Just Beer</td></tr></tbody></table>The shuk is transformed on Thursday nights after the stalls close. Tables are set out along the market streets and the young at heart enjoy food and beer into the wee hours.<br /><br /><br /><br />All in all a wonderful cultural and gastronomic experience not to be missed. Make sure it's on your itinerary!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4D2GlUE0zHw/VuUnaXgl1iI/AAAAAAAAAh0/WM5KgQXkwIUOm9oot8ilrM6KfPC21Z-qA/s1600/083.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4D2GlUE0zHw/VuUnaXgl1iI/AAAAAAAAAh0/WM5KgQXkwIUOm9oot8ilrM6KfPC21Z-qA/s200/083.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>Madeleine Lavinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18340266883415910339noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6827142861030451688.post-47611731347061712492015-12-21T22:04:00.000+02:002015-12-21T22:13:08.090+02:00Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year Beautiful blue skies and bright sunshine greeted us as we&nbsp;entered the Old City this morning. As we emerged from the Jaffa Gate we spied Santa Claus distributing free Jerusalem pine tree cuttings&nbsp;to the city's Christian population as part of a Jerusalem Municipal service.<br /><br />As he rang his bell, people gathered around&nbsp;collecting their Christmas trees and taking&nbsp;pictures. For the first day of winter and shortest day of the year it was simply a perfect day. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--hwb2Atcg9Y/VnhZ__8tJNI/AAAAAAAAAfo/F97zsp4tzMo/s1600/Santa%2B2015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--hwb2Atcg9Y/VnhZ__8tJNI/AAAAAAAAAfo/F97zsp4tzMo/s320/Santa%2B2015.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;Santa inside Jaffa Gate</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2T84l_dsePE/VnhZ9pv-bbI/AAAAAAAAAfg/00GbFHt9WJY/s1600/Santa%2BII.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2T84l_dsePE/VnhZ9pv-bbI/AAAAAAAAAfg/00GbFHt9WJY/s320/Santa%2BII.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;Come and get your tree!</div><div style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: center;">I wish everyone a happy and peaceful holiday and a new year filled with light and joy</div><div style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: center;">﻿</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XzWXMJMUCH8/VnhaCgZ9HlI/AAAAAAAAAfw/NH-iipiBN2Q/s1600/Candles%2BHoly%2BS%2BDecember%2B2015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XzWXMJMUCH8/VnhaCgZ9HlI/AAAAAAAAAfw/NH-iipiBN2Q/s320/Candles%2BHoly%2BS%2BDecember%2B2015.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;Candles at the Holy Sepulchre</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dsBytDDbgZs/VnhaS75RjxI/AAAAAAAAAf4/a8rnkeev9ls/s1600/Santa%2B2015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a>&nbsp;</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mCdvP5C3P38/VnhaXxtCtXI/AAAAAAAAAgA/T5svxWOVogU/s1600/Santa%2BII.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a>&nbsp;</div><br /><br />Madeleine Lavinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18340266883415910339noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6827142861030451688.post-36736847167885962922015-11-13T11:04:00.002+02:002015-11-14T10:15:00.012+02:00Just Another Day at WorkI love Jerusalem. I have lived&nbsp;in this city&nbsp;for over 32 years experiencing the events that influence our daily lives.&nbsp;&nbsp;Times of joy and hope; times of despair and frustration.&nbsp;In the past few weeks I have spent many hours touring&nbsp;the Old City and am pleased to see tourist groups out and about enjoying the sites.<br /><br />As I walked around I decided to photograph some&nbsp;holy sites from different perspectives. I met with Christians, Muslims and Jews who are&nbsp;struggling to make a living and hoping for a better future for their families. I am sharing with you the results of my week of touring<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tWiaD7gvfm0/VkWXTT3FARI/AAAAAAAAAcs/ZFn-A8hGbXQ/s1600/FullSizeRender.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tWiaD7gvfm0/VkWXTT3FARI/AAAAAAAAAcs/ZFn-A8hGbXQ/s320/FullSizeRender.jpg" width="265" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><u>Light through a window - Church of All Nations, Gethsemane</u></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Designed by Antonio Barluzzi in the 1920's, the alabaster windows only allow diffuse light to enter the church to create the gloomy&nbsp;night of Jesus' arrest</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-H6kdPGwzh3A/VkWYUmqx0mI/AAAAAAAAAc0/A2fXWTq4dBk/s1600/Gethsemane%2BFloor.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-H6kdPGwzh3A/VkWYUmqx0mI/AAAAAAAAAc0/A2fXWTq4dBk/s320/Gethsemane%2BFloor.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">﻿</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><u>Byzantine Floor - Gethsemane - under the modern mosaic</u></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><u></u>&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">﻿</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-P5KrENE1yXU/VkWaljt5D1I/AAAAAAAAAdA/MiXZImrVfaA/s1600/View%2Bfrom%2Bthe%2Bschool.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-P5KrENE1yXU/VkWaljt5D1I/AAAAAAAAAdA/MiXZImrVfaA/s320/View%2Bfrom%2Bthe%2Bschool.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><u>Haram-eSharif with Dome of the Rock viewed from 1st Station of the Cross</u></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The view from the Ommaryah School is something special. The school&nbsp;sits on the site of the Antonia Fortress which housed the Roman garrison 2,000 years ago. Every Friday afternoon the Franciscans start their walk of the Via Dolorosa from here.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3s3djrL4L9g/VkWcUMHkeEI/AAAAAAAAAdM/1U8VC_Ps_9U/s1600/Dove%2Bat%2BWall.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3s3djrL4L9g/VkWcUMHkeEI/AAAAAAAAAdM/1U8VC_Ps_9U/s320/Dove%2Bat%2BWall.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><u>Dove nesting in Western Wall</u></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">During the year a variety of birds nest in the Wall. Its deep crevices provide a perfect place to&nbsp;rest&nbsp;while&nbsp;the worshippers place notes in the cracks below.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FCS8AmblbxA/VkWeyqYlLAI/AAAAAAAAAdY/VosNVznH-mU/s1600/Sigad.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FCS8AmblbxA/VkWeyqYlLAI/AAAAAAAAAdY/VosNVznH-mU/s320/Sigad.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;<u>Ethiopian Jews Celebrating the Sigad Festival - Western Wall</u></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YaNCRuaFscM/VkWe1fgb55I/AAAAAAAAAdg/BUQCzrqlYu8/s1600/Sigd.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a>&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Last week, Ethiopian Jews celebrated Sigad,&nbsp;on the 29th day of the Jewish month of Heshvan, commemorating the renewal of the covenant between the people of Israel and the Almighty, when Ezra and Nehemiah read out the Torah to the exiles who returned to Jerusalem.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </div><div class="t-body-text">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </div><div class="t-body-text">In Ethiopia,&nbsp;the priests, kesim, would read Torah chapters in the ancient Gez language, translated into Amharic, and deliver sermons in which they exhorted the people to observe the commandments and pray to be found worthy of returning to Zion.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Now an official day of celebration in Israel, Ethiopian Jews&nbsp;still celebrate Sigad despite having fulfilled their dream of reaching&nbsp;Israel. <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wZiL3Gm8TMM/VkWinbz_n3I/AAAAAAAAAds/z82jkqzSFe8/s1600/Candles%2BSepulchre.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wZiL3Gm8TMM/VkWinbz_n3I/AAAAAAAAAds/z82jkqzSFe8/s320/Candles%2BSepulchre.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div align="center" class="t-body-text"><u>Candles in the Holy Sepulchre</u></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ovLtZM3Kgvs/VkWjXQII3II/AAAAAAAAAd8/MEo1QWgBSfM/s1600/Armenian%2B%2BCrosses.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ovLtZM3Kgvs/VkWjXQII3II/AAAAAAAAAd8/MEo1QWgBSfM/s320/Armenian%2B%2BCrosses.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><u>Armenian Crosses</u></div><div style="text-align: center;">For centuries Armenian pilgrims would engrave their crosses on the walls of their chapel after their long and arduous journey to Jerusalem</div><div align="center" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">﻿</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">﻿</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">At the end of the day I&nbsp;sat in the Citadel at Jaffa Gate watching the sun set on the city</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FrbgA-YSThw/VkWlYDYDztI/AAAAAAAAAeI/VNgiZSm0e_c/s1600/A%2Bday%2Bin%2BJerusalem%2B003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FrbgA-YSThw/VkWlYDYDztI/AAAAAAAAAeI/VNgiZSm0e_c/s320/A%2Bday%2Bin%2BJerusalem%2B003.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zR70OVbWj8A/VkWmlkJ0xsI/AAAAAAAAAeQ/fKKg064TTbE/s1600/Citadel.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a>&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RLrb_fJnqRw/VkWmxx_KKTI/AAAAAAAAAeY/JDEfSpNl5GM/s1600/Sunset%2Bcitadel.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RLrb_fJnqRw/VkWmxx_KKTI/AAAAAAAAAeY/JDEfSpNl5GM/s320/Sunset%2Bcitadel.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nSC_NXjBiT4/VkWnS3De4GI/AAAAAAAAAeo/oNgT5JnKtbo/s1600/Panorama%2Bcitadel.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="84" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nSC_NXjBiT4/VkWnS3De4GI/AAAAAAAAAeo/oNgT5JnKtbo/s320/Panorama%2Bcitadel.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Beautiful City!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">﻿</div><div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">﻿</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">﻿</div><div align="center">﻿</div>Madeleine Lavinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18340266883415910339noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6827142861030451688.post-38050598143048365912015-08-15T19:40:00.002+03:002015-09-05T19:38:12.518+03:00A Fine Caper<div style="text-align: left;">Summer is already here and it's the turn of the caper to flower. I&nbsp;love seeing it&nbsp;growing out of the Old City walls as I walk along the ramparts. Best known for&nbsp;its edible flower buds (<b>capers</b>), often used as a seasoning, and the fruit (<b>caper berries</b>), both of which are usually consumed pickled.&nbsp; Other parts of <i>Capparis</i> plants are used in the manufacture of medicines and cosmetics.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JslEpd0ftAQ/Vc9mQIQhWrI/AAAAAAAAAbo/O2uCVsoWb-k/s1600/latest%2B012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JslEpd0ftAQ/Vc9mQIQhWrI/AAAAAAAAAbo/O2uCVsoWb-k/s320/latest%2B012.JPG" width="320" /></a>&nbsp;</div>The most common species of caper in the Jerusalem area, and throughout the Mediterranean region of Israel, is the common caper (<em>Capparis spinosa</em>). In the desert, it is replaced by the Egyptian caper (<em>Capparis&nbsp; aegyptia</em>).&nbsp; Because of finely curved thorns&nbsp;they can only be picked by hand and as such&nbsp;are considered a delicacy.<br /><br />Capers are a distinctive ingredient in Italian cuisine&nbsp;and are commonly used in salads,&nbsp; meat dishes and pasta sauces. Capers are known for being one of the ingredients of tartar sauce. They are often served with cold smoked salmon or&nbsp;fish dishes.<br /><div style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;<a data-ved="0CAcQjRxqFQoTCIe-5IfDq8cCFQo6FAodYZcNaA" href="http://www.google.co.il/url?sa=i&amp;rct=j&amp;q=&amp;esrc=s&amp;source=images&amp;cd=&amp;cad=rja&amp;uact=8&amp;ved=0CAcQjRxqFQoTCIe-5IfDq8cCFQo6FAodYZcNaA&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thetapaslunchcompany.co.uk%2Fcookbook%2Fvegetable-dishes%2Fspring-cabbage-capers&amp;ei=52rPVceuF4r0UOGutsAG&amp;bvm=bv.99804247,d.d24&amp;psig=AFQjCNHtEVXtJJgUKy1kFUY9v6VEXMoHyw&amp;ust=1439743035631015" id="irc_mil" jsaction="mousedown:irc.rl;keydown:irc.rlk;irc.il;" style="border-image: none; border: 0px currentColor;"><img src="http://www.thetapaslunchcompany.co.uk/Depositphotos_1690601_M-capers.jpg" height="212" id="irc_mi" style="margin-top: 18px;" width="320" /></a></div>The leaves of the caper are round and drop off in the winter. The beautiful flowers have four white petals and masses of stamens. The flowers give off an exquisite fragrance at night and in the early morning, wilting as the morning heats up. They open in the evening to attract moths, which enjoy nectar that is held in a pocket right in the middle of the flower. The two lower petals are attached to one another and to the nectary, creating this pocket and preventing small insects from stealing the nectar. After the flower has been fertilized, a long fruit develops. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--QWFOHPJero/Vc9m6NZWFaI/AAAAAAAAAb0/eT63H6FNhTU/s1600/latest%2B018.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--QWFOHPJero/Vc9m6NZWFaI/AAAAAAAAAb0/eT63H6FNhTU/s320/latest%2B018.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>The preparation of capers for food was already well-known in ancient times. A caper collector was known in Hebrew as a '<em>kapar</em>'. Indeed, this word appears on the lintel of the entrance to an ancient synagogue in modern-day Katzrin. The inscription says: &nbsp;"This is the house of study of Elazar the <em>kapar</em>."<br /><br />On a final note, the caper – which reappears, flowers, and provides food every year, without any care - has been used as a metaphor for the Jewish people's determination to survive in the harshest of conditions. &nbsp;Perhaps it's&nbsp;no coincidence that&nbsp;they are found growing out of the Western Wall!Madeleine Lavinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18340266883415910339noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6827142861030451688.post-61505141239430165662015-04-07T14:42:00.000+03:002015-04-09T08:16:16.239+03:00Gazelle Valley Jerusalem - Israel's First Urban ParkI just returned from a visit to the newly-opened Gazelle Valley across the road from my home. I have lived in the neighborhood for 25 years and&nbsp;was excited to see this new project which will benefit all the city's residents.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VrK9F9Iei3o/VSO0cr_xJLI/AAAAAAAAAZA/s6BEZ6g6dvY/s1600/Gazelles.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a>&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IsR94BZQlAs/VSO4zBUyGEI/AAAAAAAAAZM/_ON6__xyq1E/s1600/Holyland.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IsR94BZQlAs/VSO4zBUyGEI/AAAAAAAAAZM/_ON6__xyq1E/s1600/Holyland.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;<u>Gazelle Valley - saved from developers </u></div><div style="text-align: center;">the controversial&nbsp;Holyland project in the background</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">(photo - Amir Balaban)</span></div><div style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div>Following a 15-year struggle to save the green space&nbsp;from residential developers,&nbsp;March 30 saw the opening of Gazelle Valley, Israel’s first urban wildlife reserve which features five ponds, two streams, bird-watching areas, a man-made island accessible by wooden bridges and wild gazelles roaming free.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-X1GHh-Qb1js/VSOz9lqx0xI/AAAAAAAAAY4/FGBsmpd_z50/s1600/Gazelle%2BValley%2B010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a>&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-w2hGevraRTs/VSPFE74C3-I/AAAAAAAAAZ4/a4D3unVUu1A/s1600/IMG_0542%2B(2).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-w2hGevraRTs/VSPFE74C3-I/AAAAAAAAAZ4/a4D3unVUu1A/s1600/IMG_0542%2B(2).JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;Looking for Gazelles</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">﻿</div>Planned by the <a href="http://natureisrael.org/">Society for the Protection of Nature in Israel</a>, which also supports the nearby <a href="http://natureisrael.org/JBO">Jerusalem Bird Observatory</a>, local experts were also advised by&nbsp;people &nbsp;responsible for a much larger urban project - &nbsp;New York's Central Park.&nbsp; Funds were provided via the <a href="http://www.jerusalemfoundation.org/news-updates/news-from-jerusalem/2015/the-opening-of-the-gazelle-valley-park.aspx">Jerualem Foundation</a> and the Jerusalem Municipality. Signs in Hebrew, Arabic and English describe the flora and fauna, and an information center assisted by&nbsp;volunteers offers workshops and guided tours.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-I9CD_1A3eLM/VSO8GendTZI/AAAAAAAAAZY/BHK3WRJhs0k/s1600/Gazelle%2BValley%2B001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-I9CD_1A3eLM/VSO8GendTZI/AAAAAAAAAZY/BHK3WRJhs0k/s1600/Gazelle%2BValley%2B001.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div><div align="center"><u>&nbsp;Gazelle Workshop</u><br />&nbsp;</div>The Passover holiday has seen thousands of visitors, of all backgrounds, enjoying the nature workshops, the ponds, the blue and white striped deckchairs and the large open space just a stone's throw from&nbsp;the busy Patt Junction -&nbsp;one of the city's&nbsp;major intersections.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VrK9F9Iei3o/VSO0cr_xJLI/AAAAAAAAAZA/s6BEZ6g6dvY/s1600/Gazelles.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VrK9F9Iei3o/VSO0cr_xJLI/AAAAAAAAAZA/s6BEZ6g6dvY/s1600/Gazelles.jpg" style="cursor: move;" unselectable="on" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"></span>&nbsp;<u>Israeli Mountain Gazelles in the Valley</u></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">(photo - Amir Balaban)</span></span></div><span style="font-size: x-small;"></span><br /><div style="text-align: left;">The Israeli mountain gazelle “is the archetype of all gazelles,” says Amir Balaban, a champion of Israeli wildlife who is the urban nature coordinator at the Society for the Protection of Nature in Israel and a force behind the valley renovation.&nbsp;“It’s the biblical gazelle, the one mentioned in Psalms and the Song of Songs; it has beauty and strength. Jerusalem and gazelles always went together.”</div><br />I wish the project great success. The public supported the&nbsp;new development which will provide a much-needed green space in a heavily-built up area. <br /><br />I didn't see any gazelles today but look forward to them returning to the neighborhood.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VDa3HRyfG2s/VSO8TX4ky2I/AAAAAAAAAZg/xymm8BUJxxA/s1600/Gazelle%2BValley%2B012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VDa3HRyfG2s/VSO8TX4ky2I/AAAAAAAAAZg/xymm8BUJxxA/s1600/Gazelle%2BValley%2B012.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><u>Taking a break</u><br />&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: left;">The park will remain open to the public free of charge, seven days a week, from 7 a.m. until sunset.&nbsp; </div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><img height="96" src="https://images-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com/gadgets/proxy?url=http%3A%2F%2F3.bp.blogspot.com%2F-VrK9F9Iei3o%2FVSO0cr_xJLI%2FAAAAAAAAAZA%2Fs6BEZ6g6dvY%2Fs1600%2FGazelles.jpg&amp;container=blogger&amp;gadget=a&amp;rewriteMime=image%2F*" style="left: 360.35px; opacity: 0.3; position: absolute; top: 1084.21px;" width="63" />Madeleine Lavinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18340266883415910339noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6827142861030451688.post-36294112009809256252015-02-20T13:14:00.002+02:002016-05-19T18:50:16.021+03:00Jerusalem Snow 2015We awoke to a foot of snow this morning and low temperatures.&nbsp; Before it begins to melt people are out building snowmen and enjoying the winter scenery.<br /><br />Snow also made a rare appearance in Haifa, Beersheva and the Negev region. The last time that happened was in 1992!<br /><br />The city is even more beautiful in the snow. <br /><br />I&nbsp;wanted to share this picture of Gethsemane from the Reuters news agency:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NZzObH0Pn1s/VOcWx4mT1SI/AAAAAAAAAX4/adLJIle5T5Q/s1600/2015%2BMount%2Bof%2BOlives%2Bsnow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NZzObH0Pn1s/VOcWx4mT1SI/AAAAAAAAAX4/adLJIle5T5Q/s1600/2015%2BMount%2Bof%2BOlives%2Bsnow.jpg" height="238" width="320" /></a></div>Madeleine Lavinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18340266883415910339noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6827142861030451688.post-35438285578158051912015-01-13T16:30:00.003+02:002015-01-13T16:32:22.144+02:00Desert Embroidery - Empowering Bedouin Women in the NegevCamels, tents and women in black embroidered dresses swaying over the desert sand: visitors to the Negev desert in Israel can still catch glimpses of this romantic picture from the past.&nbsp; But today most of Israeli’s 177,700 Bedouin live in towns and unrecognized villages. The transition from nomadic lifestyle to permanent settlement has brought many changes, particularly for women.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-r_TzGo4WoZE/VLUpTE6l_1I/AAAAAAAAAXM/vJCQRweDblQ/s1600/Lakiya%2B011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-r_TzGo4WoZE/VLUpTE6l_1I/AAAAAAAAAXM/vJCQRweDblQ/s1600/Lakiya%2B011.JPG" height="200" width="150" /></a></div><br />The nomadic Bedouin woman enjoyed a central position in Bedouin Society. She herded the family goats and sheep, drew water from the well, raised vegetables in the family plot, educated her children in the traditions of her tribe and her Moslem religion, prepared food on an open fire, wove and embroidered her family’s clothing, among her many tasks. She enjoyed meeting her neighbors at the well and carried on an extensive social life despite the distances in the desert.<br />With the move to permanent settlement, the Bedouin woman moved from the open horizons of the desert to the four walls of her own house. Her traditional tasks were replaced by those of a housewife. Her economic contribution to her family vanished, as did her opportunities for a social life.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4I8dRGqMvvI/VLUmr2xGX4I/AAAAAAAAAWo/oGXf4kDeTmw/s1600/Lakiya%2B012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4I8dRGqMvvI/VLUmr2xGX4I/AAAAAAAAAWo/oGXf4kDeTmw/s1600/Lakiya%2B012.JPG" height="150" width="200" /></a></div><br />In 1996 the Association for Advancement of the Status of Women, Lakia, was established with the goal of improving the status of women in Bedouin society and Israeli society as a whole. Run and operated by Bedouin women, it is sensitive to the needs of their community.<br /><br />The flagship project is the <a href="http://www.desert-embroidery.org/index.php?option=com_content&amp;view=article&amp;id=50&amp;Itemid=159&amp;lang=en">Desert Embroidery</a> and Visitors' Center which provides alternative sources of income for the women through the creation of an industry based on traditional skills. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PcaoEnDUYVo/VLUnO8KKUrI/AAAAAAAAAW4/hTwP0tSvK1k/s1600/Lakiya%2B010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a>&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qNiO0PKKpk0/VLUnghA-mhI/AAAAAAAAAXA/8-IkMhxQVtU/s1600/Lakiya%2B015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qNiO0PKKpk0/VLUnghA-mhI/AAAAAAAAAXA/8-IkMhxQVtU/s1600/Lakiya%2B015.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div><br />Today I had the chance to visit the centre&nbsp;and enjoy the colourful display of embroidered products on sale. I also met Na'ama Elsana'a, the dynamic force behind the establishment of the project which began with 15 women and has trained over 160 women from Lakia and surrounding Bedouin communities.<br /><br />In addition, the association educates the women and raises awareness about essential issues&nbsp;for the community. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YPp97ySnIQ4/VLUpt6uJYtI/AAAAAAAAAXU/mZcT6EykJUA/s1600/Amy%2Band%2BNa'ama%2B2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YPp97ySnIQ4/VLUpt6uJYtI/AAAAAAAAAXU/mZcT6EykJUA/s1600/Amy%2Band%2BNa'ama%2B2.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>&nbsp;Na'ama with Amy Kronish, who uses the Lakia embroidery in her <a href="http://jerusalemquilts.blogspot.co.il/search/label/coexistence%20quilts">coexistence quilts</a>.<br /><br />It's well worth visiting <a href="http://www.desert-embroidery.org/index.php?option=com_content&amp;view=article&amp;id=50&amp;Itemid=159&amp;lang=en">Desert Embroidery</a>&nbsp;in Lakia but call in advance: Na'ama&nbsp;- 054-6734621 or <a href="mailto:rikma@lakia2.org">rikma@lakia2.org</a><br /><br />My favourite piece: <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7KIA5eiteD0/VLUrIgzNEgI/AAAAAAAAAXo/XeGVbMCLjrY/s1600/Lakiya%2B013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7KIA5eiteD0/VLUrIgzNEgI/AAAAAAAAAXo/XeGVbMCLjrY/s1600/Lakiya%2B013.JPG" height="200" width="150" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jXE4XMnwFLs/VLUp53I2GiI/AAAAAAAAAXc/IZXcC9te4xA/s1600/Amy%2Band%2BNa'ama.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a>&nbsp;</div>Madeleine Lavinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18340266883415910339noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6827142861030451688.post-35516568668156847682014-12-24T17:30:00.004+02:002014-12-24T18:36:57.793+02:00Holiday Greetings and Happy New Year!As the world celebrates Christmas Eve tonight,&nbsp;thousands will flock to Bethlehem for midnight mass which is televised around the world. Many Jewish Israelis also join in the celebrations at carol services and other Christmas events taking place in Jerusalem and around the country. <br /><br />The other day I saw Santa Claus ringing his bell from the walls of Jerusalem.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2o36CG4yzt8/VJrbJZyK7QI/AAAAAAAAAV4/413j8bpO_fM/s1600/santa%2Bin%2Bjerusalem.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2o36CG4yzt8/VJrbJZyK7QI/AAAAAAAAAV4/413j8bpO_fM/s1600/santa%2Bin%2Bjerusalem.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Nativity Square in Bethlehem ready to receive visitors</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VI2yRiU9Kdc/VJrqlCz6atI/AAAAAAAAAWI/c-MbKkfnje8/s1600/bethlehem.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VI2yRiU9Kdc/VJrqlCz6atI/AAAAAAAAAWI/c-MbKkfnje8/s1600/bethlehem.jpg" height="223" width="400" /></a></div><br /><br />Enjoy this short film produced by <a href="http://www.israel21c.org/">Israel 21c </a>showing&nbsp;Nazareth preparing to celebrate Christmas in the city. <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=65pqBFJzXJg&amp;feature=youtu.be">Christmas preparations in Nazareth</a><br /><br />I wish everyone Peace on Earth and Goodwill to all.Madeleine Lavinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18340266883415910339noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6827142861030451688.post-92221664217829711272014-11-16T17:40:00.003+02:002015-01-23T07:52:50.803+02:00Old City Artists: Maro Sandrouni - a secret in the Christian Quarter<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt;">During my research for a tour on artists in the Old City, I had the fortune to meet up with Maro Sandrouni, only daughter of the well-known Sandrouni family famous for their beautiful handmade&nbsp;ceramics.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt;">After working with her three brothers for many years, she decided to go it alone and the result is the House of St. George for Authentic Art&nbsp;at number <a href="https://www.google.co.il/maps/place/Shvil+Saint+George,+Jerusalem/@31.77746,35.2280067,17z/data=!4m2!3m1!1s0x150329ce5e5f1e99:0xb49163e36a0c4ec6?hl=en">27,&nbsp;St. George's Street</a>.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt;"></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZOklxO4eUR8/VGjC-7kQiuI/AAAAAAAAAVY/Atm5jANvELY/s1600/Maro%2BSandrouni%2B001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZOklxO4eUR8/VGjC-7kQiuI/AAAAAAAAAVY/Atm5jANvELY/s1600/Maro%2BSandrouni%2B001.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div align="center"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt;"><u>House of St. George for Authentic Art</u></span></div><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt;">Tucked away&nbsp;on a narrow side street close to the Jaffa Gate, Maro's gallery houses&nbsp;designs inspired by the different cultures of the <st1:place w:st="on">Holy Land</st1:place>.&nbsp;As owner and artistic designer, Maro Sandrouni is a graduate of the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) in NY. In addition to her training in <st1:city w:st="on">Florence</st1:city>and <st1:city w:st="on">New York</st1:city>, Maro expanded her artistic horizons while working at the family owned workshop for Armenian ceramics. </span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt;">The Sandrouni family story is similar to&nbsp;that of many other Armenians who fled&nbsp;to Palestine&nbsp;at the beginning of the 20th century and have since graced Jerusalem with their skills in hand-painted ceramics, photography, jewellry and, in Maro's case, fashion.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt;"></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-p_bK_6CrE6g/VGjDVfVl4nI/AAAAAAAAAVg/LsvxvLCw6v8/s1600/Gates%2Bof%2BJerusalem%2Bdesigned%2Bby%2BMaro%2BSandrouni.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-p_bK_6CrE6g/VGjDVfVl4nI/AAAAAAAAAVg/LsvxvLCw6v8/s1600/Gates%2Bof%2BJerusalem%2Bdesigned%2Bby%2BMaro%2BSandrouni.JPG" height="400" width="256" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt;"></span><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt;"><u>Gates of Jerusalem Dress - inspired by the Old City</u></span></div><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt;">Take a moment to&nbsp;step into the gallery, housed in a historic structure, and&nbsp;admire the hand-crafted dresses,&nbsp;scarves, jewellry and even ceramic kaftans - all the product of Maro's creative talents.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt;">Maro is starting to branch out and offer embroidery workshops&nbsp;to anyone looking to discover their creative talents and enjoy a couple of hours in good company.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt;"></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Xok6-YMk5MU/VGjDsF4DFkI/AAAAAAAAAVo/YQf4Vy_1mGI/s1600/Maro%2BSandrouni%2B006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Xok6-YMk5MU/VGjDsF4DFkI/AAAAAAAAAVo/YQf4Vy_1mGI/s1600/Maro%2BSandrouni%2B006.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt;">&nbsp;</span><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt;">Maro can be reached in her gallery at 02-6277177</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial;"><a href="https://www.google.co.il/maps/place/Shvil+Saint+George,+Jerusalem/@31.77746,35.2280067,17z/data=!4m2!3m1!1s0x150329ce5e5f1e99:0xb49163e36a0c4ec6?hl=en">Map for directions:</a></span></div><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span><br />Madeleine Lavinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18340266883415910339noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6827142861030451688.post-41573997172948244832014-08-06T11:03:00.001+03:002015-01-03T15:05:10.371+02:00Big Bambu at the Israel Museum<div itemscope="" itemtype="http://schema.org/Organization" style="display: none;"><a href="http://www.haaretz.com/" itemprop="url">Home</a> <img src="http://www.haaretz.com/images/logos/HaaretzLogo.gif" itemprop="logo" />&nbsp;</div>“5,000 Arms to Hold You.” is the name given to the Jerusalem installation by the American artists and identical twins Doug and Mike Starn which I visited the other day.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <br /><div id="wrapper"><div id="main"><div class="hasNoComments" id="content"><div class="fblike"><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr><td style="padding-top: 4px;" valign="top">&nbsp;</td><td style="padding-top: 4px;" valign="top">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</td><td id="fbtd" valign="top">&nbsp;</td></tr></tbody></table></div><div class="articleBody"><!--PSTYLE=WT Web Text-->Following seven weeks of construction, “Big Bambu ”&nbsp; is&nbsp;open for&nbsp;visitors to climb and explore in the Billy Rose Art Garden at Jerusalem’s Israel Museum. The Starn brothers, together with an international team of rock climbers and an Israeli team specially chosen for the project, used 10,000 bamboo poles and 80 kilometers of climbing rope to create a structure-sculpture that covers 500 square meters of ground and rises 16 meters into the sky.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UP3nsi149Xk/VKfo6Ym6MAI/AAAAAAAAAWY/tWetxtKz1g4/s1600/Big%2BBambu.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UP3nsi149Xk/VKfo6Ym6MAI/AAAAAAAAAWY/tWetxtKz1g4/s1600/Big%2BBambu.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Standing in front of Big Bambu</div><br />The Starns have been active on the art scene since the 1980s. Previously, they created similar installations on the roof of New York’s Metropolitan Museum of Art (2010), at the 54th Venice Biennale (2011), the Museum of Modern Art in Rome (2012) and Japan’s Naoshima Museum (2013). <br />The Israel Museum installation is the largest in the “Big Bambu” series to date.<br /><br />&nbsp;In each country, the installation acquires form and character from the local surroundings and context in accordance with interaction among members of the construction team. There is no preset plan for the work. According to the brothers, it takes its form from the dynamics that develop in the course of the construction process, embodying the tension between order and chaos.<br /><br />Dangling between heaven and earth, the team lashed the bamboo poles together and created dozens of meters of trails that wind through the “bamboo forest,” along with observation decks – each of which has its own character and offers a unique view of the surrounding Jerusalem landscape.<br />Visitors can make their way along the ground amid the bamboo tangle, or follow the trails and contemplate their unusual surroundings on benches that are scattered both on the observation decks and between them. In addition to the new sight lines of Jerusalem, the climb through the installation offers a view of the heart of the ramified, chaotic structure.<br /><br />I had fun climbing this bird nest and enjoying the views of the city from its observation decks.<br />&nbsp;</div><!-- google_ad_section_end --> </div><div class="aside"></div><div id="subscription-reminder"></div><!--<script src="http://connect.facebook.net/en_US/all.js" ></script>--> </div></div>Madeleine Lavinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18340266883415910339noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6827142861030451688.post-18298833480843004382014-08-04T19:19:00.000+03:002014-08-04T19:22:02.002+03:00Holy Week in Jerusalem 2014This year, Passover and Easter fell during the same week. In addition, the Orthodox and Catholic churches celebrated Easter on the same date so the city was filled with celebrations. Though I usually avoid the crowds, this year I had the pleasure of experiencing some of the events and savouring the atsmosphere and colorful throngs of people celebrating Holy Week.&nbsp; You too can enjoy&nbsp;this via the pictures below. (<em>Photos Courtesy of Jo M. Kearney.)</em><br /><em></em><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><u>Priestly Blessing at the Western Wall</u></div><div style="text-align: center;"><u></u>&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: left;">Hundreds of people - secular, religious and ultra-Orthodox, as well as tourists took part in the traditional Birkat HaKohanim (Priestly Blessing) at the Western Wall&nbsp;last Thursday morning. </div><div style="text-align: left;">The blessing, a Jewish prayer recited by Kohanim (Jewish priests in direct patrilineal descent from Aaron), is regularly performed during the intermediate days of Passover and Sukkot.<br />&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: center;"><u>﻿</u></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hu_eYfr50JA/U1S8_bhTsUI/AAAAAAAAASs/duXQSUfZUU8/s1600/Priestly+Blessing+Kotel.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hu_eYfr50JA/U1S8_bhTsUI/AAAAAAAAASs/duXQSUfZUU8/s1600/Priestly+Blessing+Kotel.jpeg" height="213" width="320" /></a><br />&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: center;">Priestly Blessing Western Wall<br />&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: center;">﻿</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ha5r_Yvy7Jo/U9-xZ0EpK-I/AAAAAAAAAT4/3n-_cj8K1C8/s1600/View+to+Holy+Sepulcher.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ha5r_Yvy7Jo/U9-xZ0EpK-I/AAAAAAAAAT4/3n-_cj8K1C8/s1600/View+to+Holy+Sepulcher.jpeg" height="320" width="214" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Holy Sepulcher from the rooftop</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-82_Q2VNM8rQ/U9-xyDP_u9I/AAAAAAAAAUA/4OFtzand5gE/s1600/Good+Friday.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-82_Q2VNM8rQ/U9-xyDP_u9I/AAAAAAAAAUA/4OFtzand5gE/s1600/Good+Friday.jpeg" height="214" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Good Friday Procession</div><div style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UR0qgXzEYWQ/U9-yEnNsdPI/AAAAAAAAAUI/BeZH0g7RySo/s1600/Ethiopian+Priest.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UR0qgXzEYWQ/U9-yEnNsdPI/AAAAAAAAAUI/BeZH0g7RySo/s1600/Ethiopian+Priest.jpeg" height="214" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Ethiopian Priests at Deir ESultan on the roof of the Holy Sepulchre</div><div style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: center;"><u></u>&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div align="center">&nbsp;</div><div align="center"><a href="https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/?ui=2&amp;ik=72504b6c79&amp;view=att&amp;th=145825953e83dbf4&amp;attid=0.1.15&amp;disp=emb&amp;zw&amp;atsh=1" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a>&nbsp;</div><div align="center">&nbsp;</div><div align="center">&nbsp;</div>Madeleine Lavinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18340266883415910339noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6827142861030451688.post-70761250584991098712014-05-23T12:54:00.000+03:002014-10-31T09:08:44.951+02:00Methuselah - Ancient Date Tree from Masada - Watch the Film!<span style="font-family: inherit;">Whenever I visit Masada, which I do frequently, I talk about the ancient Judean date pits which were found in the store rooms by the archeologist Yigal Yadin back in the mid-1960's.&nbsp; More specifically I mention Methuselah, the 2000 year old date pit which is growing on Kibbutz Ketura in the Arava.</span><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;">For thousands of years,&nbsp;</span><span style="font-family: inherit;">Judean date trees</span><span style="font-family: inherit;">&nbsp;were one of the most recognizable and welcome sights for people living in the Middle East -- widely cultivated throughout the region for their sweet fruit, and for the cool shade they offered from the blazing desert sun.</span><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img class="rg_i" data-sz="f" name="GZ_-Cy2ykaJahM:" 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" style="height: 160px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; width: 316px;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><u>The Judea Capta Coin minted after the destruction of Judea - the woman sitting under the date palm signified Judea</u></div><div style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><span style="font-family: inherit;">From its founding some 3,000 years ago, to the dawn of the Common Era, the trees became a staple crop in the Kingdom of Judea. Judean palm trees would come to serve as one of the kingdom's chief symbols of good fortune; King David named his daughter, Tamar, after the plant's name in Hebrew.</span><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;">By the time the Roman Empire sought to usurp control of the kingdom in 70 AD, broad forests of these trees flourished as a staple crop to the Judean economy -- a fact that made them a prime resource for the invading army to destroy. Sadly, around the year 500 AD, </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">t</span><span style="font-family: inherit;">he once plentiful fruit trees had been, driven to extinction for the sake of conquest.</span><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;">In the centuries that followed, first-hand knowledge of the tree slipped from memory to legend. Up until recently</span><span style="font-family: inherit;">, that is.</span><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;">During excavations at the site of Herod's </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">palace in Israel in the early 1960's, archeologists unearthed a small stockpile of seeds stowed in a clay jar dating back 2,000 years. For the next four decades, the ancient seeds were kept in a drawer at Tel Aviv's Bar-Ilan University. But then, in 2005, botanical researcher Elaine Solowey decided to plan some </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">and see what, if anything, would sprout.</span><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;">"I assumed the food in the seed would be no good after all that time. How could it be?" She was soon proven to be wrong.</span><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;">Amazingly, the multi-millennial seed did indeed sprout -- producing a sapling no one had seen in centuries. </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">Today, the living archeological treasure continues to grow and thrive</span><span style="font-family: inherit;">; In 2011, it even produced its first flower -- a heartening sign that the ancient survivor was eager to reproduce. It has been proposed that the tree be cross-bred with closely related palm types, but it would likely take years for it to begin producing any of its famed fruits. Meanwhile, Solowey is working to revive other age-old trees from their long dormancy.</span><br /><br /><div align="center"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2NY3rG_0tlA">Watch this short film about Methuselah</a></div><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZExOP-jEpck/VFM1D6YUmsI/AAAAAAAAAVI/z1zd2NdVW3I/s1600/MethuselahOctober2014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZExOP-jEpck/VFM1D6YUmsI/AAAAAAAAAVI/z1zd2NdVW3I/s1600/MethuselahOctober2014.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><u>Methusalah, October 2014</u></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span>&nbsp;Picture by Jill Rosenfield</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span>&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span>&nbsp;</div>Madeleine Lavinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18340266883415910339noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6827142861030451688.post-52111288256299546582014-04-30T17:48:00.002+03:002014-04-30T17:50:59.105+03:00Jerusalem on the Way Up - According to Trip AdvisorLeading travel website TripAdvisor has released a new list citing the <a href="http://www.tripadvisor.com/TravelersChoice-DestinationsontheRise-cTop10-g1" target="_blank"><span style="color: #316185; font-family: Arial;">Top 10 Destinations on the Rise</span></a> around the world, and ranks Jerusalem as the fourth most popular site to visit. The new ranking comes in the wake of the Tourism Ministry’s announcement of record-breaking numbers of tourists to Israel for the first quarter of 2014.<br /><br />To read more: <a href="http://israel21c.org/news/tripadvisor-slots-jerusalem-in-top-10-destinations-on-the-rise/?utm_content=buffer44084&amp;utm_medium=social&amp;utm_source=facebook.com&amp;utm_campaign=buffer">Jerusalem City on the Rise</a>&nbsp;by Viva Press of <a href="http://israel21c.org/">Israel 21c</a>.<br /><br />Well some of us already knew that, but if you haven't visited yet, now is the time!<br /><br />Here are just a few reasons:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tZuaYNmVScw/U2EL3GShxyI/AAAAAAAAAS8/7s12EgbT6H8/s1600/PHILS+PHOTOS+2012+009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tZuaYNmVScw/U2EL3GShxyI/AAAAAAAAAS8/7s12EgbT6H8/s1600/PHILS+PHOTOS+2012+009.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Buildings</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Tower of Lutheran Redeemer Church - Christian Quarter</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Wy-Wfbco_M0/U2EMZjWRCAI/AAAAAAAAATE/_AGsWO352iE/s1600/zatar.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Wy-Wfbco_M0/U2EMZjWRCAI/AAAAAAAAATE/_AGsWO352iE/s1600/zatar.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div align="center">Food - Spice Shop</div><div align="center">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zn89x6t1NxI/U2EMqpAvR0I/AAAAAAAAATM/-qFRUdojQ2w/s1600/Muslim.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zn89x6t1NxI/U2EMqpAvR0I/AAAAAAAAATM/-qFRUdojQ2w/s1600/Muslim.jpeg" height="214" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The People</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qcrZp3Noy5Y/U2ENLKbdKRI/AAAAAAAAATU/NiTyVe4Ck6c/s1600/PHILS+PHOTOS+2+005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qcrZp3Noy5Y/U2ENLKbdKRI/AAAAAAAAATU/NiTyVe4Ck6c/s1600/PHILS+PHOTOS+2+005.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Culture - The First Station</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div align="center">﻿</div>Madeleine Lavinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18340266883415910339noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6827142861030451688.post-21138800189537450262014-02-14T15:14:00.000+02:002014-02-16T12:57:06.251+02:00Spring in the Galilee - Rosh Pinna 2014After the heavy snow and rain of mid-December, the country has been experiencing drought conditions. Even so, the almond trees are beginning to bloom and the spring flowers are appearing though in smaller numbers than usual.<br /><br />Last week I had the opportunity to enjoy the spring in the Galilee - a truly wonderful experience!<br /><br /><div align="center"><u>The Almond Trees in Bloom in the Rosh Pinna Valley</u><br /><u></u><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-coROXlDoRCI/UwCX_5U22ZI/AAAAAAAAASc/-kYp-YHqeSc/s1600/20140213_092502.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-coROXlDoRCI/UwCX_5U22ZI/AAAAAAAAASc/-kYp-YHqeSc/s1600/20140213_092502.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: left;">I stayed in a small guesthouse in Rosh Pinna - the pioneer village established&nbsp;in 1878 by a group of pious young men from Safed. After three years of hunger and drought, all but three families left. </div><br />In 1882 a group of immigrants from Romania arrived and made the village their home. Aware of the previous troubles, they recalled the verse from Psalm 118:22&nbsp;- "The stone that the builders rejected has become the chief cornerstone (Rosh Pinna)" Thus Rosh Pinna became the new name of the village below the Arab village of Gei Oni with whom good relations were established.<br /><br />In 1883 Baron Rothschild's clerks visited the town and agreed to sponsor its development and established a winery, a silk factory as well as a tobacco factory. The situated close to three springs, the village became the administrative center and seat of the Baron's representatives for all the Galilee villages.<br /><br />In 1900 Rosh Pinna numbered 500 souls. One resident was Professor Gideon Mer who established a malaria research laboratory in his home. The results of his work was the eradication of the disease in Israel and many other countries.<br /><br />Situated on the eastern slope of Mount Canaan overlooking the Sea of Galilee, the Hula Valley, Golan Heights and Hermon Mountain, the town has always been a tourist destination for those wishing to enjoy the many archeological, historical and religious sites in the area and the spectacular views the town affords.<br /><br />Today there are almost 3000 people living in the&nbsp;town which has retained its original&nbsp;character. New neighborhoods and public buildings have been added alongside the stone houses built by the founders of the village.<br /><br />I visited the area with Richard Woolf, a tour guide who has lived in Rosh Pinna for over 40 years. He toured me around the picturesque village.<br /><br />Madeleine Lavinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18340266883415910339noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6827142861030451688.post-85928827843112259652013-12-12T15:55:00.001+02:002013-12-16T14:44:53.788+02:00Winter Wonderland Jerusalem, December 2013Even though snow is not a rare occurence in this city, this morning Jerusalem experienced its heaviest December snowfall since 1953. Schools have closed and public transport is at a standstill as Jerusalem's residents&nbsp;stay at home and keep warm.<br /><br />Coming fast on the tail of an&nbsp;unusually warm November, Jerusalemites have been suprised by the&nbsp;sudden&nbsp;freezing temperatures&nbsp;which are&nbsp;affecting much of the Middle East. Snow is always a cause for great celebration especially among the children who look forward to building snowmen and generally having fun.<br /><br />The snow storm was the fiercest in over 100 years cutting off roads to the city and electricity to many households. The sun is finally coming out and melting the snow but&nbsp;a huge amount of damage has been caused to infrastructure which will take some time to repair.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YkTxOH5teS4/Uqm__5k3EmI/AAAAAAAAARs/VhFymLnhRLc/s1600/dome.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YkTxOH5teS4/Uqm__5k3EmI/AAAAAAAAARs/VhFymLnhRLc/s1600/dome.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Jerusalem of white and gold</div><div align="center">﻿</div><div align="center">﻿</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vZRSJ4KjYO4/UqmlmIas-tI/AAAAAAAAARM/dXaz1cfQnHY/s1600/knesset.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vZRSJ4KjYO4/UqmlmIas-tI/AAAAAAAAARM/dXaz1cfQnHY/s320/knesset.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">View to&nbsp;the Knesset</div><div style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_beo4GJnbYI/Uqm_HLRYmxI/AAAAAAAAARk/fQ_9lN5tJY4/s1600/walls.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_beo4GJnbYI/Uqm_HLRYmxI/AAAAAAAAARk/fQ_9lN5tJY4/s320/walls.jpg" width="320" /></a>&nbsp;&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_beo4GJnbYI/Uqm_HLRYmxI/AAAAAAAAARk/fQ_9lN5tJY4/s1600/walls.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a>&nbsp;</div><div align="center">﻿</div><div style="text-align: center;">Old City Walls</div><div style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/#!/amir.balaban.3/media_set?set=a.781502381867318.1073741837.100000226904743&amp;type=1">Just received: Pictures from the Jerusalem Bird Observatory taken earlier today</a></div><div style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: center;">﻿</div>Madeleine Lavinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18340266883415910339noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6827142861030451688.post-4658865856547760712013-10-27T14:45:00.004+02:002013-11-07T17:04:31.660+02:00A Shabbat Morning Stroll in JerusalemThis month marks my 30th year in Israel! When I first moved to Jerusalem there was very little to do&nbsp;on Saturday for&nbsp;entertainment in the west part of the city. Certainly no restaurants or movies.&nbsp;The situation is very different today.<br /><br />It was a beautiful autumnal day with bright sunshine and blue skies.&nbsp;I took a walk with a friend to the <a href="http://www.firststation.co.il/en/">First Station</a> and this is what we found along the way.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fp40ngMJrjE/Umurv7YnVzI/AAAAAAAAAQM/c_k_JJIFH_M/s1600/House+of+Quality.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="148" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fp40ngMJrjE/Umurv7YnVzI/AAAAAAAAAQM/c_k_JJIFH_M/s200/House+of+Quality.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">The beautiful Armenian mosaic by David Ohannessian at the <a href="http://www.art-jerusalem.com/">Jerusalem House of Quality</a> on the Hebron Road - formerly the St. John's Opthalmic Hospital.</div><div style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div align="left" style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: left;">We continued&nbsp;to the charming <a href="http://www.scotsguesthouse.com/english/">St. Andrew's Scottish Church</a> where we ate brunch and, on exiting, crossed to the Lions' Fountain in the park opposite where an Ethiopian wedding&nbsp;celebration was taking place.</div><div style="text-align: left;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9AqBh1nkZws/Umusz8fQGfI/AAAAAAAAAQU/3OEGZybeMEI/s1600/Ethiopian+wedding+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9AqBh1nkZws/Umusz8fQGfI/AAAAAAAAAQU/3OEGZybeMEI/s1600/Ethiopian+wedding+2.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">﻿</div><div style="text-align: center;">The Happy Couple</div><div align="center">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6WhOQ8TD4_I/Umutr6vsC9I/AAAAAAAAAQs/KOPxpyX1GjY/s1600/1383505_10151924421178629_876158277_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6WhOQ8TD4_I/Umutr6vsC9I/AAAAAAAAAQs/KOPxpyX1GjY/s320/1383505_10151924421178629_876158277_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cq-5V_8GIBY/Umut0pV3aiI/AAAAAAAAAQ0/9rLtA3u8mN0/s1600/996962_10151924420358629_197105178_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cq-5V_8GIBY/Umut0pV3aiI/AAAAAAAAAQ0/9rLtA3u8mN0/s320/996962_10151924420358629_197105178_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">﻿</div>Then onto the First Station which opened in May this year and has quickly become a popular hub of entertainment. The place was filled with people walking, cycling, eating, shopping and watching an open-air jazz concert. What did we do before this place opened??<br /><br />Jerusalem is alive and well, even on Saturday!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br />Madeleine Lavinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18340266883415910339noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6827142861030451688.post-78767164784787326202013-09-08T16:04:00.002+03:002013-09-08T18:02:32.087+03:00The Jerusalem Bird Observatory - another hidden gem in Jerusalem<span class="ariel11"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Hidden away on&nbsp;a tiny, one-acre plot (5,000 square meters) between the Knesset (the Israeli parliament), the Rose Garden&nbsp;and the Supreme Court, sits the <a href="http://www.jbo.org.il/">Jerusalem Bird Observatory - JBO.</a></span></span><br /><span class="ariel11"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"></span></span><br /><span class="ariel11"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">The JBO was established in 1994 by the Society for Protection of Nature in Israel - SPNI -&nbsp;in order to preserve one&nbsp;of the last bird and wildlife refuges in the city.&nbsp;&nbsp; The site is one of the few traditional birdwatching areas in Jerusalem that has not been harmed by development, and its central location makes it an attractive educational and tourist center for the public. </span></span><br /><span class="ariel11"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"></span></span><br />I wrote an earlier piece about the 500 million birds passing through this country in the autum and spring as they migrate to and from Europe and Africa.<br /><br />It is possible to stop by the JBO any time of the day and night to sit and watch the birds who stop off at the small pond to rest and refuel on their long journey across continents.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" class="rg_hi uh_hi" data-height="198" data-width="254" height="198" id="rg_hi" src="https://encrypted-tbn1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcStjeQ9ZYxVCqxGFEmH_C-p8fezy-WjUyfK_INwbzgPXitTv5IOxA" style="height: 198px; width: 254px;" width="254" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong>The Hoopoe</strong></div><div style="text-align: center;">Voted Israel's national bird in 2008</div><div style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: left;">At present the JBO is receiving a USAID grant promoting a joint Israeli - Palestinian ringing project. The JBO offers monthly activities to the general public. These include: afternoon bird walks, nature walks, bird banding (ringing) for students from preschool to college age. It is also possible to arrange private bird watching trips to all parts of the country. </div><div style="text-align: left;">&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZjjLmOTKSEA">Watch a short movie about the JBO</a></div><div align="left" style="text-align: center;">﻿</div><div style="text-align: center;">﻿</div><div style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;On your next visit to Jerusalem, take the time to enjoy this special place&nbsp; - only a stone's throw from the Knesset but much more relaxing and spiritually rewarding.</div><div style="text-align: left;">﻿</div>Madeleine Lavinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18340266883415910339noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6827142861030451688.post-9622171332679599462013-06-17T16:38:00.003+03:002017-02-08T19:24:50.221+02:00Zalatimo's an Old City secret<a href="http://www.zalatimo.com/">Zalatimo's Bakery</a> has been in existence since 1860 when Mohammed Zalatimo created the unique sweet called "Mutabbaq" - or envelope in Arabic. The tradition is continued by brothers Ahmad and Talal who take pride in making this unique pastry filled with nuts or cheese freshly prepared&nbsp;right in front of you. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-p0Err5lcm4Q/Ub8PfQOYRNI/AAAAAAAAAOg/17hEbjc8HDY/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-p0Err5lcm4Q/Ub8PfQOYRNI/AAAAAAAAAOg/17hEbjc8HDY/s320/photo.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div align="center">Mutabbaq </div><div align="center">(Thanks to Emily Livingstone-Parker for her pictures﻿)</div><div align="center">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TInZDf0g9xg/Ub8QexUUNaI/AAAAAAAAAOs/bRdA4qSqGg8/s1600/photo+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TInZDf0g9xg/Ub8QexUUNaI/AAAAAAAAAOs/bRdA4qSqGg8/s320/photo+2.JPG" width="239" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />Forming the pastry - Sami in action</div><br />The little hole-in-the-wall bakery can be found just off Khan E-Zeit Street which runs from Damascus Gate - the old Roman Cardo - to the Jewish Quarter. Make the turning as if you are going up the steps to the Ethiopian roof top of the Holy Sepulcher Church. In fact, for an extra 5 shekels they will show you the original entrance steps to the 4th century church.<br /><br />I had heard about this delicious creation for many years but only tried one in March of this year. Mutabbaq takes about 15 minutes to prepare and bake and costs&nbsp;20 shekels. A real treat if you are looking for something different and tasty. Tea and coffee can also be ordered on the spot.&nbsp; <em>I highly suggest that you check the price for everything before you purchase. I have heard of some people being overcharged for drinks.</em><br /><br />By the way, I think the one with nuts is the tastiest.<br /><br />Madeleine Lavinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18340266883415910339noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6827142861030451688.post-32635704477551412672013-04-13T19:56:00.003+03:002013-04-14T21:39:12.634+03:00Herod the Great: The Man and His Mausoleum<span style="font-family: inherit;">Was King Herod really such a bad guy or did he have the wrong PR agent? What did he look like? Was he a cruel tyrant or a shrewd politician? What do we really know about him?</span><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><br /><div align="center"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img alt="King Herod the Great" class="photo" height="182" src="http://0.tqn.com/d/christianity/1/G/H/H/HerodTheGreat180x165.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="200" /></span></td></tr><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></td></tr><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></tbody></table></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Herod (Getty Images)</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family: inherit;">&nbsp;</span></div><span style="font-family: inherit;">Some of these questions can be answered at the world's first exhibit on&nbsp;Herod the Great which opened in February 2013 at the Israel Museum - </span><a href="http://www.english.imjnet.org.il/page_3184"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Herod the Great:&nbsp;The King's Final Journey</span></a><span style="font-family: inherit;">.</span><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;">Following the discovery of Herod's tomb in 2007 by the late Professor Ehud Netzer, it&nbsp;was decided to mount an exhibition on his building projects. The exhibition follows Herod's final journey from his winter palace in Jericho to Herodium where he planned his burial place.</span><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="direction: ltr; margin-bottom: 6pt; text-align: left; unicode-bidi: embed;"><span dir="ltr" style="font-family: inherit;">The life and legacy of Herod the Great, ruler of Judea from 37-4 BCE and considered among the most important imperial figures in history, is the focus of this groundbreaking exhibition. The exhibit focuses on his projects in Jericho and Herodium and his relationship with Rome. Rare artifacts from the sites are displayed for the first time together with items from the Roman world. </span></div><span style="font-family: inherit;">The exhibition also features a monumental, full-size reconstruction of the burial chamber of the king’s mausoleum, including the intricately carved sarcophagus believed to have held his body, together with fragments from the Second Temple of Jerusalem and reconstructed palace chambers decorated with meticulously restored wall paintings and stucco and mosaic work.The scale of the exhibit eclipses the usual painstaking work necessary to produce the average museum show. With some 30 tons of columns, stones and frieze fragments from Herodium, floors&nbsp;had to be reinforced and ceilings raised at the 900-square-meter exhibition space.</span><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img alt="Herod the Great Exhibition Jerusalem" height="236" src="http://static.itraveljerusalem.com.w154.moonsite.co.il/634979630679554000.jpg" title="Herod the Great Exhibition Jerusalem" width="320" /></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family: inherit;">&nbsp;</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">A tour of the exhibit helps us understand&nbsp;Herod's world and the building styles and techniques that he introduced into the country. Love him or hate him one cannot fail to be impressed by his work.</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family: inherit;">﻿</span></div><span style="font-family: inherit;">﻿</span><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">&nbsp;</span><a href="http://cbn.com/tv/2175931606001"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Watch a short movie on the exhibit</span></a></div><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;">The exhibit s proving to be extremely popular. During Passover week alone over 35,000 people passed through the exhibit and many more have followed.</span><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><br /><em><span style="font-family: inherit;">STOP PRESS!&nbsp;Due to popular demand the exhibit has been extended until January&nbsp;4, 2014. </span></em><br /><em><span style="font-family: inherit;">Don't miss it!</span></em><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><br />Madeleine Lavinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18340266883415910339noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6827142861030451688.post-90659240190308792982013-02-16T08:13:00.000+02:002013-02-23T12:40:37.272+02:00Did You Know? - Nubian Ibex<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lEs3JC1XA3s/UR8jQUhleTI/AAAAAAAAANk/UTKJYjJald8/s1600/Ibex.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lEs3JC1XA3s/UR8jQUhleTI/AAAAAAAAANk/UTKJYjJald8/s400/Ibex.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div align="center"><u>Nubian Ibex&nbsp;in Ein Gedi</u></div><div align="center">(Photo - Aliza Orent)</div><div align="center">&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: left;">The Nubian Ibex - <em>Capra nubiana</em> - is not a gazelle but a wild goat. They are a protected species in Israel and appear on the logo&nbsp;of the <a href="http://www.parks.org.il/parks/ParksAndReserves/Pages/default.aspx">Israel National Parks Authority.</a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a class="image" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:INRNPA.png" title="Protection Authority's Logo"><img alt="Protection Authority's Logo" height="100" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/7/77/INRNPA.png" width="100" /></a></div><br />They are well suited for the hot, dry desert landscape. Their light sandy brown coat provides a camouflage against the desert scenery. The smooth, shiny coat is thought to reflect a large amount of incoming solar radiation which allows the animals to remain active throughout the day even during hot summer afternoons. Males&nbsp;have a dark stripe on their front legs and one down their back, as well as a dark beard. &nbsp;&nbsp; <br /><br />Both males and females have horns although they are much larger in males than females. Horns on bucks can grow up to 120 cm / 48 inches long.&nbsp; The much thinner, shorter horns of females grow up to 35 cm / 14 inches. <br /><br />Mating occurs during the late summer months, especially October. The majority of kids are born in March. Ibex can live up to 17 years and are often seen wandering around in herds.<br />&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: left;">In contrast to most desert animals, the Nubian ibex drinks almost daily.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; During summer nights, the Nubian ibex rests in high, open areas of slopes, allowing a variety of escape routes should danger present itself. During the cooler winter nights, herds rest in more sheltered places, like caves or under overhangs. Nubian ibex, although equipped with a semi-waterproof coat, do not like to get wet, seeking shelter if possible during rain storms. <br /><br />If you want to see an ibex up close go to the Ein Gedi Nature Reserve or nearby guesthouse. They can also be found wandering close to the ancient synagogue at Ein Gedi and around the Ein Gedi Field School. Further south they can be seen at Ein Avdat and Mitzpe Ramon&nbsp;near to the crater.<br /><br />﻿</div>Madeleine Lavinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18340266883415910339noreply@blogger.com0